Infant Bathing Mat

ABSTRACT

An infant bathing mat comprising a non-slip top surface extending between a first end and a second end; a bottom surface opposing the non-slip top surface, where the bottom surface includes an adhesive layer to adhere the infant bathing mat to a base of a bathing basin; and an intermediate support between the non-slip top surface and the bottom surface, where the intermediate support form fits to an infant&#39;s body. The infant bathing mat accommodates safe bathing within a portable basin or a standard tub.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mat for use in a bathtub to protectand cushion an infant while bathing.

2. Description of Related Art

As parents and caregivers are familiar, infants lack the muscles andmotor skills required to hold themselves up for any period of time.Until the infant develops more strength, the caregiver is dependent tosupport their head, neck and back at all times. The support isespecially important during baths when the child is in a body of waterand requires the parent to continuously ensure that their face and nosedo not go beneath the water surface. Typically, the parent performs thebathing process with one free hand while the opposite hand remainssupporting the child. This may be challenging when trying to clean theentire body, and when having to reach for an item that is not directlynext to the washing basin. Sometimes two caregivers are needed, one tohold the baby and the other to wash.

Standard baby bath basins include a non-slip or textured bottom to helpprevent sliding. But these basins are often hard and uncomfortable forthe baby, and still require caregiver support to ensure that the babydoes not slide beneath the water. Recently, bath mats have beendeveloped for placement within the tub or basin. The problems with thesemats are that they often become water logged and slide against theslippery tub surface, therefore defeating the purpose of the mat in thefirst place. The mats become more of a hindrance than a help whenconstantly trying to straighten and replace the mat.

It would be beneficial in the art to provide a bathing mat that preventsinfants from sliding in a tub, while also remaining in place throughoutthe entire bath. It would also be desirable in the art to provide abathing mat that continuously cushions and supports the infant therebyallowing the caregiver to utilize both hands to wash and rinse child.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, thegeneral purpose of the present invention is to provide a non-slipbathing mat, configured to include all of the advantages of the priorart, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an infantbathing mat that includes a non-slip top surface and an adhesive bottomsurface for optimal anti-skid surfaces in a bathing basin.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an infant bathingmat with a detachable pillow for additional support to the infant'shead.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an infantbathing mat with a body forming intermediate support between the topsurface and the bottom surface to hug the infant's body while in thetub.

To achieve the above objects, in an aspect of the present invention, aninfant bathing mat is described comprising a non-slip top surfaceextending between a first end and a second end; a bottom surfaceopposing the non-slip top surface, where the bottom surface includes anadhesive layer to adhere the infant bathing mat to a base of a bathingbasin; and an intermediate support between the non-slip top surface andthe bottom surface, where the intermediate support form fits to aninfant's body. The infant bathing mat accommodates safe bathing within aportable basin or a standard tub.

These together with other aspects of the present invention, along withthe various features of novelty that characterize the present invention,are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forma part of this present invention. For a better understanding of thepresent invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objectsattained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanyingdrawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplaryembodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become betterunderstood with reference to the following detailed description andclaims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likeelements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a top view of an infant bathing mat within a tub inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of an infant bathing mat in accordance withan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the descriptionof several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention relates to a mat for use in a bathtub to protectand cushion an infant while bathing. The infant bathing mat provides afoundational support beneath the infant to offer a safe medium forinfant bathing. The infant bathing mat includes a non-slip top surfaceto support the infant's body, and an adhesive bottom surface to ensurethat the mat does not slide. The infant bathing mat remains structuredduring bathing to ensure that the infant does not slide beneath thewater surface if/while the adult supervisor is looking away. This waythe adult supervisor is able to grab any necessary items withoutrequiring both hands on the baby at all times.

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, referring to FIG. 1, a topview of an infant bathing mat 10 in a tub 50 is shown in accordance withan exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The infant bathing mat10 extends from a first end 14 to a second end 16. At the first end 14is a head portion where as at the second end is a foot portion whereeach portion coordinates to the body part of the baby placed on theinfant bathing mat 10. The dimensions of the infant bathing mat 10 mayrange from 10-30 inches wide and 18-60 inches long. Preferably, thedimensions of the infant bathing mat 10 are 10 inches wide by 22 incheslong to accommodate a small, portable, bathing basin. Alternatively, thedimensions may be 30 inches wide by 60 inches long to accommodate astandard bathtub.

The infant bathing mat 10 is covered with a non-slip top surface 12 thatis composed of a non-slip material to ensure that the infant does notslide while in the tub 50. The non-slip top surface 12 may be texturedto create an anti-skid surface and for a comfortable feel against thebaby's skin. The non-slip material may be rubber, neoprene, plastic orsimilar materials that are commonly known and used for non-slipsurfaces.

Fastened towards the first end 14, on the head portion, may be a pillow18. The pillow 18 supports the baby's head and neck while in the tub 50,and provides additional resistance to prevent the baby from sliding. Thepillow 18 may be detachable to give the user the option of whether ornot to use it. The pillow 18 may be inflatable to vary the amount ofsupport provided. Finally, the pillow 18 may be made from a rubber,plastic, or gel-filled casing for a soft and comfortable feel.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a side view of the infant bathing mat 10 isshown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. Opposite to the non-slip top surface 12, extending from thefirst end 14 to the second end 16, is a bottom surface 22. The bottomsurface 22 is in direct contact with the base of the bathing basin ortub. The bottom surface 22 is covered with an adhesive layer to adherethe infant bathing mat 10 to the base of the bathing basin. The bottomsurface 22 with adhesive layer ensures that the infant bathing mat 10remains in place during bathing for an additional safety precaution forthe baby.

Between the non-slip top surface 12 and the bottom surface 22 is anintermediate support 20. The intermediate support 20 cushions and formsto the baby's body while the baby is resting on the infant bathing mat10. By hugging the contours of the baby's body, the intermediate support20 allows additional security to prevent sliding in the tub. Theintermediate support 20 may be made from rubber or plastic, oralternatively filled with air or gel. The total height of the infantbathing mat 10, including the non-slip top surface 12, the intermediatesupport 20 and the bottom surface 22, may range from 1-3 inches,preferably 2 inches.

The infant bathing mat 10 ensures safety and security while washing ababy. The adhesive bottom surface 22 secures the infant bathing mat 10to the tub or basin which further allows the non-slip top surface 12 tosafeguard the baby from sliding during their bath. With peace of mindthat the baby is safe the caregiver is able to thoroughly lather andrinse the child, and freely move to reach items as necessary forwashing. The non-slip top surface 12 and the bottom surface 22 arewaterproof to prevent water from filling into the intermediate support20. The infant bathing mat 10 provides constant stability, and is anessential basin accessory for caregiver and parents alike.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order tobest explain the principles of the invention and its practicalapplication, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilizethe invention and various embodiments with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. An infant bathing mat comprising: a non-slip topsurface extending between a first end and a second end; a bottom surfaceopposing said non-slip top surface, where said bottom surface includesan adhesive layer to adhere said infant bathing mat to a base of abathing basin; and an intermediate support between said non-slip topsurface and said bottom surface, where said intermediate support formfits to an infant's body.
 2. The infant bathing mat according to claim1, where said infant bathing mat comprises a width of 10 inches and alength of 22 inches to fit within a portable bathing basin.
 3. Theinfant bathing mat according to claim 1, where said infant bathing matcomprises a width of 30 inches and a length of 60 inches to fit within astandard tub.
 4. The infant bathing mat according to claim 1, furtherincluding a pillow fastened to said non-slip top surface towards saidfirst end.
 5. The infant bathing mat according to claim 4, where saidpillow is detachable.
 6. The infant bathing mat according to claim 4,where said pillow is inflatable.
 7. The infant bathing mat according toclaim 4, where said pillow is made from one of at least rubber, plasticand a gel-filled casing.
 8. The infant bathing mat according to claim 1,where said intermediate support is made from one of at least rubber andplastic.
 9. The infant bathing mat according to claim 1, where saidintermediate support is filled with one of at least air and gel.
 10. Theinfant bathing mat according to claim 1, where said non-slip top surfaceis textured.